Lesson 1 - Initial Fitness Assessment
Scientific Fitness Exploration
•Year 5
•Health Related Fitness
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we accurately measure our current fitness levels to track our progress throughout this programme?
Learning Objectives
- To understand the importance of fitness assessment for personal health
- To correctly perform four different fitness tests with a partner
- To record accurate baseline measurements for future comparison
Key Outcomes
- Students will complete four fitness assessments with accurate measurements
- Students will understand why we measure fitness and its importance
- Students will demonstrate responsibility and encouragement when working with partners
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-prepared with student names and space for all four test scores
Alternative: Clipboards with paper and pencils
Mark running course, shuttle run distances, and station boundaries
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries
Position for sit and reach test with measuring marks visible
Alternative: Gym mats with measuring tape
Secured to bench for sit and reach measurements
Alternative: Rulers, pre-marked bench
One per station, ensure students can see displays clearly
Alternative: Smartphone timers, class timer
Key Vocabulary
A test that measures specific aspects of physical fitness to track progress
The ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen during sustained physical activity
The amount of force a muscle can produce in a single maximum effort
The range of motion available at a joint or series of joints
The ability to move quickly from one point to another
An initial score recorded to compare against future results
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of warming up and cooling down
- Experience working with partners in PE
- Knowledge of why exercise is important for health
Current Skills
- Performing standardised fitness assessments
- Recording and interpreting fitness data
- Understanding fitness components and their measurement
Next Steps
- Comparing current scores with future assessments
- Setting personal fitness goals based on results
- Developing specific training programmes
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise personal improvement over comparison with others
- Ensure proper technique is prioritised over high scores
- Create supportive partner dynamics with clear responsibilities
- Monitor for overexertion and maintain safety throughout
- Connect fitness assessment to students' real-life interests and activities
- Use positive language and celebrate effort rather than just results
- Establish baseline measurements accurately for future comparison
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Fitness tests are about being the best in the class' - Correction: 'They're about tracking your personal improvement journey'
- Misconception: 'If I don't score high, I'm not fit' - Correction: 'Everyone starts at different points, fitness grows with practice'
- Misconception: 'I should push through any discomfort' - Correction: 'Listen to your body and stop if you feel unwell'
- Misconception: 'These tests don't relate to real life' - Correction: 'Each test connects to activities you might enjoy outside school'
- Misconception: 'I can't improve if I'm not naturally athletic' - Correction: 'Everyone can improve their fitness with consistent effort'
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter time at each station, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks between assessments
dyspraxia
- Extra demonstration time, simplified scoring sheets, partner support for recording
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of stations, quiet reflection space available
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of each test, partner guidance for spatial awareness, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of each test, written instruction cards, clear visual signals for timing
physical disability
- Modified test versions - seated assessments, reduced distances, alternative strength measures
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Using descriptive vocabulary for physical sensations, reflection and evaluation skills
Maths
Recording and comparing numerical data, timing activities, measuring distances
Science
Understanding heart rate, breathing changes during exercise, muscle function
PSHE
Personal goal setting, supporting others, understanding individual differences
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sight lines to all four assessment stations
Observation Focus
Monitor effort levels, technique quality, and partner interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if students overexerting, poor technique, or negative interactions
Demonstration Notes
Show proper technique for each test before starting, emphasise safety and personal effort
Verbal Cues
- •'Listen to your body'
- •'Encourage your partner'
- •'Focus on your personal best'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space (sports hall) or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, check for hazards around running course
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Benches stable and appropriate height for sit-and-reach
- •Cones positioned safely away from running lanes
- •Stopwatches functioning correctly with clear displays
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overexertion during continuous running or shuttle tests
- •Muscle strain from squats or flexibility testing
- •Collisions during running activities
- •Emotional distress from assessment results
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear stop signals and immediate response procedures
- •Partner system for safety monitoring and encouragement
- •Emphasis on personal effort rather than comparison
- •Hydration breaks between station rotations
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Constant monitoring for signs of overexertion
- •Position to observe all four stations effectively
- •Ready to intervene immediately if safety concerns arise
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess condition, provide appropriate rest and support, contact first aider if needed